Willow Spring 2014

GET THE LOOK! 

"So There Jade" blue eyeliner under my bottom lashes

White eyeliner on my watermark to give the illusion that my eyes are bigger and brighter
3D Mascara
#36 False Lashes
Studio Fix foundation (In winter, I wear NC37. In summer, I wear NC 42)
Blush in "Gentle"
Matte Lipstick in "So Chaud". The perfect color for orange lips this spring!

Out with the old, in with the New

A lot of exciting things have been happening in my life lately.

From my perspective: New job. Brain dead. Constant work. Overwhelming, yet so exciting.

From my devotional's perspective: "Do not fear change, for I am making you a new creation, with old things passing away and new things continually on the horizon."

Many of you know I started a business with a sweet friend last February. It was scary and so cool at the same time. After college, the chances of finding a job that I loved were slim to none and I would rather be poor than work a job I hate, so I found a weak spot with small businesses and how they were utilizing social media... and I went to work. I've never emailed and met up with more business owners in my whole life than I have this year. It's been incredible.

It's been a year since I started the business and looking back, I cannot believe how much I've grown! I've learned so much about business, negotiating, organizing, work flow, selling my skills, design, photoshop and so much more than I ever thought I would. A lot of the times, God gives you opportunities in life, and you have no idea where they will take you. My business was one of those opportunities for me, and I'm beginning to see the end of an old tunnel and the road to a new tunnel!

I am now living in a new state and working full time for a truly unique boutique - Willow Boutique. I have the beach as my backyard and 1,000s of designer clothes at my fingertips. I get to Instagram all day, Pinterest all night and model clothes on the weekends not to mention Facebook, website development and videography. I'm a lucky gal.

It's amazing to think that every blog post, every instagram picture, every email and every tough time has got me here. Thought I would update you guys on my progress with work! You'll be seeing a lot more of me and Willow Boutique on the blog. Stay tuned!

I do not claim the images above as my own.

My newest venture...

GUESS WHAT?

I FINALLY get to tell you guys about why I haven't posted in what feels like FOREVER...I started my own business! 

It all began when I was applying for jobs this past fall. I felt like I applied EVERYWHERE - law firms, chamber of commerces, the list goes on and on.  The most difficult part for me was being judged by interviewers that didn't even know me. They didn't know what I could offer, how trustworthy and genuine I am or even WHO I am, not to mention the 5+ years of experience that every job required. Who are these people and how can they tell me I'm not meant for a job? 

So, you know how the saying goes - your dream job does not exist. You must create it. And so I did. And it has been the most stressful, nerve-wracking, exhilarating, humbling experience of my life. I have to say that I owe every minute of this all to God. He without a doubt has led me here, and I feel like I'm on his path! There's no better feeling!

Do you have a dream job in mind? You need to know what your skills are. I knew what my skills were. In fact, I taught myself most everything I know. I didn't take classes for it. No one sat me down and showed me how to do any of it. I was so fascinated with it that I took the time to teach myself. THAT'S how you know what you want to do for the rest of your life - when it becomes "fun" and not "work". 

I do have to say that when you own a business, you work harder than you would working for someone else. Of course, this might seem like common sense, but you find out that you can't "sleep in" like you thought you could; you can't go on vacation whenever you'd like; you can't create your own hours. I've worked harder now than I ever have in my entire life! I stay up til 10 PM on Photoshop editing Facebook timeline banners for businesses; i'm constantly emailing clients; i'm running to the bank and coffee is officially my new best friend. It's hard work.

So...what is this new venture, you ask? Drum roll please....I am a social media manager at Little Miss Social! I manage local businesses Facebooks, blogs, websites, Twitters, and so on. I love every minute of it. I brought my best friend and business partner on board who graduated with a marketing degree, and she totally keeps my head level.

With that being said, this is why I haven't updated in a while. I feel awful about it because I love and appreciate all of you so much! I tried to find the time, but was so exhausted and consumed by work that I couldn't get around to it. I hope you all understand. I might be dropping in here and there, but I won't be able to update every day like I used to (sad face.) 

Other than business, Tyler and I have been looking at houses lately. It's been so much fun! I want to bring you guys along the ride, so when we narrow down our picks, you can check them out. The wedding is 8 months away. Seems like forever but it has flown by! :)

Ok. So how is everyone? Any news for me?